US Plains HRW Wheat — Basis bids flat as farmers focus on planting

CHICAGO, Oct 14 (Reuters) — Spot basis bids for hard red winter wheat held steady in the southern US Plains on Wednesday, spot checks showed, while farmers sought to catch up on plantings of the 2027 crop. US farmers planted 51% of the winter wheat crop as of Sunday, below the five-year average of 58%, the US Department of Agriculture said after trading ended on Tuesday. This matched analysts' expectations. Unfavorable weather delayed field work at a time when higher wheat prices have made the crop more attractive for farmers to grow. In Kansas, plantings were 44% complete, compared to the average of 56%, according to USDA. Oklahoma's crop was 28% planted, behind the average of 48%. K.C. December hard red winter wheat last traded 3-1/2 cents higher at $7.15-3/4 a bushel after dropping earlier to a two-month low. Basis values are quoted against futures in cts/bu: Current Previous Cash basis basis price Kansas Wichita -44 + Z -44 + Z $6.72 Newton -69 + Z -69 + Z $6.47 Goodland -65 + Z -65 + Z $6.51 Texas Gulf track* +95 + Z +95 + Z $8.11 Galveston** +100 + Z +100 + Z $8.16 Oklahoma Enid -20 + Z -25 + Z $6.96 Catoosa -75 + Z -75 + Z $6.41 NOTES: U = K.C. September contract; UNQ = Unqu